Holiday in Goa

When is the best time to visit Goa?

November through February is the absolute peak season: temperatures of 26 to 32 degrees Celsius during the day, minimal rainfall and a fresh sea breeze.

The beaches are at their most beautiful and all beach facilities, restaurants and watersports providers are open. December and January are busiest (and most expensive), but the atmosphere is excellent with Christmas markets and New Year parties on the beach.

March to May become hotter (33 to 38 degrees) and more humid, but are quieter and considerably cheaper. A good alternative for travellers who avoid crowds. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September): heavy daily rainfall, most beach facilities closed and dangerous swimming conditions due to strong currents. October is a transitional month with changeable weather.

North Goa, South Goa and Old Goa: which suits you?

• North Goa (Panaji, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator) Busy, lively and commercial. Baga Beach and Calangute Beach are the most popular beaches with extensive restaurants, bars, watersports and nightlife. Anjuna Beach is famous for its Wednesday flea market and the psychedelic party scene from the 1970s still echoes there. Vagator and Chapora are slightly quieter with spectacular rock formations and the iconic Chapora Fort. Best choice if you want buzz, nightlife and a large social scene.
• South Goa (Palolem, Agonda, Colva, Benaulim) Quieter, more natural and more elegant. Palolem Beach is the most beautiful beach in Goa: a picturesque crescent-shaped bay with clear water, gentle waves (ideal for swimming) and lined with palm trees and bamboo havelis. Agonda Beach is even quieter and less commercial. Favourite for yoga retreats, couples and those seeking relaxation. Less choice but much more peace.
• Old Goa (Velha Goa) The historic heart of Goa, approximately 10 kilometres from Panaji. The Basilica of Bom Jesus (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 1605) preserves the relics of St Francis Xavier. Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asian India. The Portuguese architecture here is impressive; half a day is sufficient for a visit. Combine it with a stroll through the colonial streets of Panaji (Fontainhas quarter).

Top 5 attractions in Goa

• Basilica of Bom Jesus (UNESCO) Goa's most important historic sight: an early Baroque Jesuit church from 1605 that preserves the relics of St Francis Xavier, canonised in 1622. The cathedral is free to enter (daily 9:00 to 18:30). Located in Old Goa, approximately 10 kilometres from Panaji. Combine it with the adjacent Se Cathedral and the ruins of the Church of St Augustine.
• Palolem Beach (South Goa) The most beautiful beach in Goa is free and open to all. The crescent-shaped bay with calm, clear water is ideal for swimming and kayaking. Hire a kayak (approximately 280 rupees per hour) to paddle to nearby Honeymoon Island. Beach bungalows directly on the sand are seasonally available (November to April). Restaurants on the sand serve fresh fish and seafood.
• Chapora Fort (North Goa) The ruined fort on a cliff above the Chapora estuary offers a spectacular panorama over Vagator Beach and the Arabian Sea. Free to enter (daily); accessible via a short walk from Vagator. Popular at sunset. The fort became famous to international audiences through the Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai (2001).
• Anjuna Flea Market (North Goa) Every Wednesday from November to April (9:00 to 18:00) the busiest and most colourful market in Goa is held on Anjuna beach. Buy Indian clothing, jewellery, spices, textiles and souvenirs. Prices are generally negotiable. Free entry.
• Dudhsagar Waterfalls (Sanguem) One of the highest waterfalls in India (approximately 310 metres) is located on the border with Karnataka, approximately 60 kilometres from Panaji. The waterfalls are most spectacular during the monsoon season (June to September) but difficult to reach then. From November to May they are less impressive but easily accessible via organised jeep day tours from Goa (approximately 1,100 to 1,500 rupees per person). Swimming in the pool below is possible.

Flights and transport from the Netherlands to Goa

There are no direct flights from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) or Eindhoven Airport to Goa (GOI). Turkish Airlines via Istanbul Havalimani is the most popular route: daily departures from AMS to Istanbul (approximately 3 hours 40 minutes) then onward to Goa (approximately 5 to 6 hours), total travel time approximately 10 to 12 hours depending on layover time. Return from approximately 520 euros (book early, outside peak season).

An alternative route is via Delhi: Air India flies direct AMS-DEL (approximately 8 hours 15 minutes), then IndiGo or Air India Express to Goa (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, multiple daily flights). Total travel time approximately 13 to 15 hours. Return via Delhi sometimes slightly cheaper or more expensive than Istanbul depending on the season.

Goa International Airport (GOI, Manohar Airport) opened in 2023 as the new international airport, replacing Dabolim Airport for international flights.

What does a holiday to Goa cost?

Return flights AMS-GOI from approximately 520 euros (Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, outside peak season). In Goa: hostel (dormitory) from approximately 6 to 11 euros per night, budget guesthouse 11 to 22 euros, beach bungalow (Palolem) 22 to 56 euros per night (seasonal), mid-range hotel 33 to 89 euros. Food: street food (thali, dosa, vada pav, chai) 0.55 to 1.65 euros; restaurant meal at the beach 2.20 to 6.60 euros; local beer (Kingfisher) approximately 0.55 to 1.10 euros. Sights: most beaches and forts free; Basilica of Bom Jesus free. Watersports: kayak approximately 280 rupees per hour. Scooter hire approximately 330 to 440 rupees per day (most common transport in Goa). Daily budget (excl. flights): approximately 15 euros (backpacker) to approximately 60 euros (comfort).